18 Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes for an Easy Holiday

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Instant pot mashed potatoes recipe — The Spruce / Emily Baker

Give yourself the gift of time this Thanksgiving by using the Instant Pot. These recipes will help save you from a stressful day of cooking and make sure you have plenty of memorable family-filled moments. From classic Turkey Day dishes like green bean casserole and cranberry sauce to some new and exciting originals and alternatives, these recipes will help this year's Thanksgiving dinner come together in—well—an instant!

01 of 18

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

One of the best things about this butternut squash soup aside from the fantastic fall flavor is how easy it is to prepare. Simply toss all the ingredients into the Instant Pot and let the appliance work its magic. You can even prepare it well ahead for the freezer and reheat it when ready to serve. Garnish bowls with pumpkin seeds, bacon, chopped herbs, or a swirl of sour cream.
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Instant Pot Turkey Breast

The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

Make Thanksgiving prep far easier this year by skipping a big roasted turkey. Whether you're hosting an intimate celebration or just don't have space for a full bird, this Instant Pot turkey breast will help save time, energy, and a whole lot of stress, while still giving your guests the same familiar and delicious flavors.
03 of 18

Instant Pot Cornbread

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Instant Pot cornbread is wonderfully moist and tasty, and a real space-saver when you are juggling multiple dishes in the oven at holiday time. If you enjoy a little more texture in your cornbread, feel free to toss in some chopped green onions or corn kernels.
04 of 18

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

The Spruce / Julia Estrada

None of that canned cranberry sauce nonsense here! With this recipe, it's easier than ever to create classic and authentic sweet and tangy sauce just like grandma used to. It takes just minutes in the Instant Pot and can be made ahead of time.

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05 of 18

Instant Pot Pumpkin Pie

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Although not baked in the oven, this pumpkin pie brings all of the traditional flavors including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. It's a beautiful-looking pie that will be the centerpiece of the dessert table. The finishing touch is a dollop of homemade vanilla whipped cream.
06 of 18

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Diana Rattray

When you host a smaller Thanksgiving crowd and don't wish to be left with pounds of leftover turkey, chicken is the way to go. Our Instant Pot whole chicken recipe is special enough for a holiday table centerpiece and pairs perfectly with classic holiday sides. You'll get juicy, delicious chicken with a flavor like a rotisserie bird in a fraction of the time needed to cook a turkey.
07 of 18

Instant Pot Stuffing

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Everyone loves stuffing at Thanksgiving even when a whole turkey isn't on the menu. This easy herbed bread stuffing cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, leaving your oven free for other dishes. You can save even more time on the actual holiday by drying the bread cubes for the dressing a day or two in advance.
08 of 18

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

The Spruce / Emily Baker

What's Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes? For a dish that can sometimes be arduous to make, the Instant Pot makes all the difference. Enjoy mashed potatoes however your family likes them this year without losing out on time gathered around the table—or the big football game.

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09 of 18

Farro Risotto

The Spruce / Laurel Randolph

Here's a delicious, whole grain side for Thanksgiving: farro risotto. You won't believe how simple it is to prepare and your guests will never guess there was no arm-tiring stirring involved. Be sure to buy the semi-pearled variety of farro, which makes for easier cooking as it has some of the bran removed. Add whatever vegetables you like and you've got a fantastic side dish.
10 of 18

Instant Pot Scalloped Cheesy Potatoes

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

There's no greater comfort food than scalloped cheesy potatoes. As a side dish, it truly has everything—a warm, gooey texture and flavor-packed spuds. With an Instant Pot, it's even easier to whip up a batch of these in no time at all.
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Instant Pot Butternut Squash

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Butternut squash is a favorite Thanksgiving side dish not only because it is a fall vegetable but it is delicious when prepared simply. This Instant Pot recipe of butternut squash sprinkled with sliced almonds, cinnamon, and sugar is the perfect example of how simple can be special.
12 of 18

Instant Pot Baked Ham

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Poultry doesn't have to be the only meat on your Thanksgiving menu. Spruce up your holiday with an Instant Pot baked ham. Your guests will ooh and ahh over its sweet and savory glaze made with pineapple, brown sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of bourbon.

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13 of 18

Instant Pot Cheesecake With Pecan Pie Topping

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

With a pecan topping, this Instant Pot cheesecake is easily adapted for the holiday season and may even outshine an oven-baked pie. Make sure to prepare this dish at least four hours in advance of the big meal on Thanksgiving day so it has time to chill.
14 of 18

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

While marshmallows can be tasty, this recipe takes a different route with an equally irresistible topping using pecans, a delicious and nutritious autumn nut. The flavors of sweet potato and pecans simply cannot be beaten, especially when you pop the dish under the broiler to get it nice and crunchy.
15 of 18

Instant Pot Cauliflower

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

If you are used to plain, steamed cauliflower, this gourmet recipe may blow your mind. You start by coating a whole head of cauliflower with olive oil and Italian-style seasonings before pressure cooking. Then you slice it into wedges and add a tangy topping of capers, pine nuts, raisins, and fresh lemon zest. It is a great holiday side dish and can even serve as a vegan main.
16 of 18

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Believe it or not, making spaghetti squash in an Instant Pot is even faster than the microwave method. Add some Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and basil for extra flavor or even top with your favorite meat sauce. Though it differs from the usual squash selection at Thanksgiving, spaghetti squash is a versatile and healthy alternative that may become a new favorite.

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Instant Pot Coq au Vin

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Coq au vin may not be a classic American Thanksgiving dish, but what could be better on a cold autumn day than a warm and satisfying braise? The Instant Pot makes short work of this typically slow-cooked French country dish of tender chicken, mushrooms, carrots, and bacon in a rich red wine sauce.
18 of 18

Instant Pot Brownies

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

If you like to end your holiday meals with something sweet and chocolatey, look no further. These Instant Pot brownies are decadent and rich and studded with crunchy nuts. We've also included tips for an optional, next-level homemade chocolate ganache topping.

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